Professional License Defense

Professional License Defense

Your License Is Your Livelihood

The experienced lawyers at Hacker Murphy have the aggressive legal approach needed to defend the rights of licensed professionals to practice their profession in New York State.

When a license is required in order for a professional to work, there is a great deal at stake when they are facing professional misconduct, criminal charges, or accusations of any kind.

Accusations, charges of professional misconduct, or criminal misdemeanor or felony charges could result in a professional license being suspended or revoked – essentially putting that professional out of practice or work.

Professional Misconduct Defense in New York State

Being a licensed professional by New York State requires adherence to a set of additional responsibilities and levels of misconduct and an obligation to follow accepted standards of professional practice as defined by state law, rules, and regulations.

Failure to perform according to these requirements is considered a ‘professional misconduct’ and when proven, typically results in disciplinary action. Any disciplinary inquiry – even if deemed meritless – should be dealt with seriously and quickly.

A professional found to have committed professional misconduct may have his or her professional license revoked or suspended, and may be subject to other disciplinary measures.

With so much at stake, hiring an experienced defense attorney is extremely important. A successful criminal defense attorney is highly qualified in protecting the rights of licensed professionals and ensuring the career and lifetime earning potential of professionals licensed by New York State.

Defense Attorneys for Professionals Licensed by NY State

Learn more about defense for licensed physicians and lawyers and legal professionals. The conduct of medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, and physicians assistants are regulated by the Office of Professional Medical Conduct. Lawyers’ conduct is regulated by the Committee on Professional Standards. Each of these entities has its own specialized procedures and rules, and you can learn more about our defense practice for each of these areas by following the appropriate link.

Most other professions in New York, listed below, are regulated by the New York State Office of the Professions (OPD). For each of these professions listed below, this single state agency, the OPD, investigates, prosecutes and adjudicates allegations of professional misconduct. Although the rules for each profession are largely similar, there are important differences from profession to profession.

If you are a licensed professional facing an investigation or formal allegations of professional misconduct, your reputation, your occupation and your livelihood are on the line. If you love what you do, you have nothing more valuable to your profession than your license to practice it. No measures should be spared in defending your license to follow your calling in life, and at the Hacker Murphy law firm, our professional defense attorneys have represented countless professionals facing allegations of misconduct. We measure our success in terms of licenses saved, and careers kept intact. We have been representing licensed professionals for decades, and we stand ready and able to represent you if you practice one of the professions listed below and are facing allegations of misconduct.

Acupuncture
Architecture
Athletic Training
Audiology
Certified Dental Assistants
Certified Histological Technicians
Certified Public Accountants
Certified Shorthand Reporting
Chiropractic
Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Cytotechnologists
Dental Anesthesia/Sedation
Dental Hygienists
Dentists

Dietetics-Nutrition
Engineering
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Land Surveying
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Licensed Practical Nurses
Massage Therapy
Medical Physics
Mental Health Practitioners (Creative Arts Therapists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Mental Health Counselors)
Midwifery
Nurse Practitioners
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Optometry
Perfusion
Pharmacists
Pharmacy Establishments
Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Podiatry
Polysomnographic Technology
Psychoanalysts
Psychology
Public Accountancy
Public Accountants
Registered Professional Nurses
Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory Therapy Technicians
Specialist Assistants
Speech-Language Pathology
Veterinarian
Veterinary Technician

Legal Defense for Licensed Professionals

Professional misconduct cases generally begin with an investigation by the OPD. Sometimes an investigator will send a licensed professional a letter, asking for a call to discuss an allegation. Other times, an investigator will “cold call” a licensed professional under investigation, and will attempt to discuss a situation without warning. However it happens, if you are a licensed professional and are contacted by the OPD, do not speak to them without an attorney. You have the right to representation and the best time to get an attorney is at the very beginning of the investigation. We are most able to protect our clients during an investigation when we get retained at the very beginning of the case, before an investigator has had the chance to interview our client.

Following an investigation, formal charges may be recommended by the investigator to the Board of the relevant professions. If the Board adopts the recommendation, formal charges are initiated and the matter is turned over to an OPD prosecutor. OPD prosecutors are attorneys who specialize in assembling a case to present to the Board at a hearing on the charges. Prior to a hearing, it is possible to reach a negotiated resolution.

Once charges are formally brought, you need a professional to negotiate for you on your behalf. As a licensed professional, you will only have one professional licensure case. We have handled countless cases. You can’t afford to learn how these cases work by representing yourself, and you should not hire an attorney to represent you who doesn’t focus on professional defense. We have the experience needed to know how to best defend your license. Let us put that experience to work for you.

The legal team at Hacker Murphy has been successfully defending professionals – just like you – for decades.

Choosing the Best Attorney for Your Specific Professional Defense

An experienced defense attorney is uniquely qualified to defend your rights as a licensed professional and will work closely with you every step of the way to avoid disciplinary action or criminal conviction. Your attorney’s main goal is protecting your career, reputation, and lifetime earning potential.

Are You a Licensed Professional Under Investigation in NY State? Hire an Attorney – Quickly.

You should avoid engaging in any questioning over the course of any investigation without ample legal representation. Our defense lawyers will work tirelessly to protect the rights of licensed professionals throughout any type of investigation.

Experienced and Aggressive Legal Representation

Hacker Murphy also represents clients with the following criminal charges:

If your career is at stake, you will want to hire the absolute best legal representation you can afford. We urge you to do your research and personally talk to each attorney. When you call our firm, our attorneys will listen to your situation; allow ample time for you to ask questions and then provide suggestions on how to best handle your case, including a no-obligation quote for our legal services.

Contact us for a prompt, free phone consultation or schedule a confidential in-person meeting with a defense attorney at one of our convenient offices, located in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs. Upon request, our legal team is available to meet at your home and/or place of business.

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“Alishah is just the best.”
Sincere gratitude to Alishah Bhimani, James Knox, and the Hacker Murphy team for their outstanding work, patience, professionalism, and tenacity in securing the long-overdue acquittals in not just one, but two convoluted criminal cases challenging my First Amendment rights as a reporter and publisher. Thank you for listening and tolerating my frustrations.
Alishah is just the best. She never wavered in her confidence, kept me informed, is incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly cares about her clients. The judge ruled in our favor on every point raised. The complainants tried for a conviction at any cost, but thanks to Alishah, the law and truth prevailed. She truly excels in the criminal defense and constitutional rights arena. Her guidance, responsiveness, and communication skills provided me with the assurance and certainty that I was in the best legal hands possible.

- June M.
“The service provided at Hacker & Murphy was beyond exceptional and I would highly recommend them.”
The service provided at Hacker & Murphy was beyond exceptional and I would highly recommend them. Julie Nociolo was professional, respectful and knowledgeable. Her representation of my family member went above and beyond that of what you might see at some firms. She was compassionate and took the time to explain every little detail of the litigation. She has extreme patience when dealing with our questions and never over promised. She was confident, respectful and determined while In court giving my family Member the strength she needed while in of the judge. I cannot thank Julie and the firm enough for their time and effort!

- Tinamarie F.
“We really benefited from her guidance and had a successful outcome”
We received a fantastic service from the day 1. Julie Nociola had been excellent and worked with us very closely. Even though the University took long time to arrange the panel, she kept calm and was supportive. We really benefited from her guidance and had a successful outcome. Big thanks to her.

- RR
“I can't recommend Julie highly enough for anyone needing legal assistance.”
I wanted to share my experience with Attorney Julie Nociolo. As an international student, I had zero idea about the legal process when I faced an academic integrity case with my university, especially with a prior violation on record. The stakes felt incredibly high. Julie was a lifesaver throughout. Her support, expertise, and quick responses were invaluable. She made sure I understood everything and guided me to a successful outcome. I can't recommend Julie highly enough for anyone needing legal assistance.

- Sri G.
“Julie and James were both absolutely great!”
Julie and James were both absolutely great! Things could have went a lot worse for me but they managed to get me a good deal! Hopefully I'll never need a lawyer again but if I do I would definitely use them again! Thank you for all the help!! I can say these people genuinely care about the person they are helping and help in anyway possible!! Thanks again guys you were great!

- Teirra M.
“Ultimately I was exonerated and I have James to thank as a big reason why.”
I utilized the services of James Knox to help on a complaint against my license. This was my first time ever needing an attorney and he was open and honest throughout the proceedings. He explained how the process works and made sure I understood each step as it went on. The entire process lasted over 3 years, and James kept in touch with me as updates rolled in. Ultimately I was exonerated and I have James to thank as a big reason why.

- Clarissa P.
“I highly recommend this firm and Mr. Knox, especially. He knows what he is doing.”
Mr James Knox was my criminal attorney. I made a simple but stupid mistake which unbeknownst to myself, broke the law and was a felony which got reduced to a misdemeanor. He was confident from start to finish that he could keep me out of jail, He did. I ended up paying a fine. I highly recommend this firm and Mr. Knox, especially. He knows what he is doing. He is highly practiced and he cares. He was always happy to speak with me during his months working with me.

- Paul A.
“Her expertise, dedication, and compassion are commendable, and I am immensely thankful for her support and guidance.”
Ms. Julie Nociolo provided exceptional legal representation and demonstrated unparalleled expertise and dedication. Ms. Nociolo possesses a deep understanding of the law, which she leverages with a strategic and thoughtful approach. Her ability to navigate complex legal challenges with ease and confidence was remarkable and gave me a sense of security during a tumultuous time. Ms. Nociolo's commitment to my case was evident in her meticulous attention to detail, thorough preparation, and proactive communication. She consistently kept me informed of developments in my case, ensuring that I was fully aware of my options and the potential implications of each decision. Her guidance was invaluable, enabling me to make informed decisions with a clear understanding of the legal landscape. Moreover, Ms. Nociolo's compassion and empathy provided comfort and support. She recognized the emotional toll legal proceedings can take and went above and beyond to ensure I felt heard, understood, and respected throughout the process. I am deeply grateful for Ms. Nociolo's tireless efforts on my behalf. Her exceptional legal acumen and genuine concern for clients set her apart as a distinguished attorney. I strongly recommend Ms. Nociolo to anyone in need of legal representation. Her expertise, dedication, and compassion are commendable, and I am immensely thankful for her support and guidance.

- Jonathan B.

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Have Questions?

If I hire an attorney but do not want to go to trial, can I settle?

In the course of preparing a case for trial, your personal injury attorney will work with the defense attorneys and insurance companies in an effort to secure a fair settlement for you and your family. The final decision to accept an offer of settlement or go to trial is yours alone to make.
Contact us now to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys.
If arrested, what steps can I take on my behalf?

1. Do not discuss your situation with anyone except your attorney.
2. Unless your attorney says otherwise, do not discuss your case with law enforcement.
3. Request to have your attorney present if you are to be put in a lineup or subjected to testing.
4. Remain calm and courteous. Allow your attorney to speak for you to ensure that your rights are protected and you are given all the benefits afforded to you under the law.
Contact us now to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys.
What is the difference between criminal procedure and civil procedure?

When a crime has been committed, action is taken by a government agency against the person, persons, organization or other entity that violated the law. The first purpose of a criminal prosecution is punishment, which frequently consists of a fine or jail time. In a civil matter, the dispute is between two or more individuals or entities. The first purpose of a civil prosecution is obtaining compensation for the wronged person or entity. Settlement in a civil matter is generally an award of a money judgment. A criminal sentence is not imposed in a civil matter.
Contact us now to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys.

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